Duke’s top 3 NBA draft prospects other than Cooper Flagg
Cooper Flagg dons the Duke Blue Devils jersey as the biggest addition to college basketball this year. Even before stepping into his first college game, the top-ranked recruit was named the best Division I player in a poll consisting of over 100 coaches. Moreover, the 17-year-old is assumed to be the top pick in the 2025 NBA draft and was invited to Team USA's scrimmage as a Select Team member.
However, Flagg is not the only five-star recruit or a 2025 NBA draft prospect in Durham. He is part of an elite roster, which is one of the most competitive lineups the program has assembled in recent years. With that, let's look at the top three draft prospects other than Cooper Flagg at Duke.
Duke’s 2025 NBA draft prospects other than Cooper Flagg
#3. Tyrese Proctor
Returning guard Tyrese Proctor has cultivated a massive fan base of his own over the last two years and was a favorite to be named as team captain before Jon Scheyer decided to run without one.
Proctor has caught the attention of the scouts for his elite ball-screening and defensive abilities. He averaged 10.5 points on 42.3 percent shooting last year and will look to broaden in impact on the floor this year.
#2. Khaman Maluach
Like Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach is also a five-star recruit. Moreover, the South Sudanese player has also suited up against the Olympics Team USA roster twice — in an exhibition content in London and days later in Paris.
The 7-foot-2 is a product of NBA Academy and will be an integral asset in protecting Duke’s paint. He has a great ability to read, time and move around the court for his size and has been developing a reliable 3-point shot.
#1. Kon Knueppel
Jon Scheyer thanks his father, Jim Scheyer, for Kon Knueppel’s recruitment, as he was the first person to bring Knueppel’s shooting ability to light. The Milwaukee native has the most polished offensive game of the lot since he can maintain efficiency while shooting off the catch, off movement and in spot-up scenarios.
He displayed the same in an exhibition against Arizona State, making four 3-pointers (including one and-1) in under two minutes.